Method and apparatus for programably treating water in a water cooler

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for a programmable self sanitizing water dispenser apparatus with a digital computer as well as a programmable method for generating ozone for cleaning the reservoir and the water contained within it.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Priority of U.S. Provisional patent application No. 60/564,178, filingdate 21 Apr. 2004, is hereby claimed.

U.S. Provisional patent application No. 60/564,178, filing date 21 Apr.2004, is incorporated herein by reference.

Patent Cooperation Treaty Application PCT/US02/19158, internationalfiling date 17 Jun. 2002, is incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

Not applicable

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for programablytreating water (preferably refrigerated) in a water cooler and moreparticularly to an improved method and apparatus for sanitizing waterthat is to be dispensed from a water cooler of the type having a cabinetwith one or more spigots from a reservoir water supply that is hiddeninside the cabinet.

There are several types of cabinet type water dispensers in use today.One of the most common types of such water dispensers is a floorstanding cabinet having an open top that receives a large invertedbottle. The bottle is typically of a plastic or glass material having aconstricted neck. The bottle is turned upside down and placed on the topof the cabinet with the neck of the bottle extending into a water filledreservoir so that the water seeks its own level in the reservoir duringuse. As a user draws water from a spigot dispenser, the liquid level inthe reservoir drops until it falls below the neck of the bottle at whichtime water flows from the bottle and bubbles enter the bottle untilpressure has equalized. Inverted bottle type water dispensers are soldby a number of companies in the United States and elsewhere. Many arerefrigerated.

Other types of water dispensers have an outer cabinet that contains areservoir or water supply. These other types of water dispensers havinga cabinet include one type that stores a large bottle (such as three orfive gallon) at the bottom of the cabinet. A pump transfers water fromthe large bottle to the reservoir. At the reservoir, the water istypically refrigerated.

Another type of water dispenser simply connects a water supply (e.g.,city water, well water) directly to a reservoir that is hidden insidethe cabinet. A float valve or other water level controller can beprovided to insure that the reservoir is always filled with water butdoes not overflow. Water that is transferred from city water, well wateror another source can be filtered or otherwise treated before beingtransmitted to the reservoir.

All of these types of water dispensers that employ cabinets typicallyhave one or more water dispensing spigots on the outside of the cabinet.These spigots are typically manually operated, but can be automaticallyoperated. For example, water vending machines dispense after a consumerpays for water. The water is automatically dispensed when coins are fedto the machine.

One of the problems with cabinet style water dispensers is that ofcleansing the reservoir from time to time. Because the reservoir is notair tight, it breathes allowing bacteria to enter the reservoir over aperiod of time. The reservoirs are typically contained within theconfines of the cabinet and are not easily accessed and cleaned byconsumers or end users.

For inverted bottle type dispensers, in addition to the problem of anopen top, the five gallon bottles are themselves a source of bacteriaand germs. Most of these bottles are transported on trucks where thebottles are exposed to outside air. They are handled by operators thattypically grab the bottle at the neck, the very part of the bottle thatcommunicates with the open reservoir during use. Unfortunately, it isdifficult to convince every person that handles these bottles to washtheir hands frequently enough. In order to properly sanitize such awater dispenser or cooler, the user must carefully clean the neck of thebottle prior to combining the bottle with the cabinet. Further, the usershould drain and sanitize the reservoir from time to time. The cleansingof the reservoir in such a water dispenser is a time consuming projectthat is typically not performed at regular intervals.

The dispensing spigots that are provided on common cabinet type waterdispensers can also be a source of contamination. These spigots aretypically manually operated and are therefore a source of contaminationfrom the users that operate them. Individuals have also been known todrink directly from the spigot. Therefore, sanitation of the spigots aswell as the reservoir should be a part of routine maintenance.

Process ozone diffusion by bubble reactor method in small static volumesof water with abbreviated water columns to diffused ozone levelssatisfactory to disinfect microorganisms in brief time periods can bedifficult to achieve. An ozone generator can be used as the source ofozone. The ozone generator can include an air pump as a source of oxygenfor generating ozone. The air pump preferably includes a microbialfilter to filter contaminants. A diffuser can be used to diffuse thegenerated ozone into the water reservoir.

Various factors impact the effectiveness of bacterial removal from thewater such as the microbial load, pH, temperature, conductivity, andcooler characteristics (e.g., whether an ice ring has formed which canact as a shield for microbes trapped in the ice ring). Furthermore, thevariability of power supply (e.g., European power supplies versus USpower supplies) can cause a generator's application to be geographicallylimited unless modified. Additionally, time constraints for operation ofthe ozone generator and diffuser can impact operation.

Additionally, in certain refrigerated reservoirs an ice ring can forminside the reservoir adjacent to the cooling coils for the reservoir.Such an ice ring can serve as a form of protection for microbescontained in the ice ring when ozone is being diffused in the reservoir.After an ozone cycle, when the ice melts wholly or partially, thetrapped microbes can enter the water and thus contaminate the reservoir.

Additionally, certain waters contain loadings of bromates which cancause problems.

The above indicate a need for developing a generator and diffusercontaining flexibility regarding the timing, amount, and duration ofozone generated; along with the timing, amount, and duration of airsupplied. Additionally, there is a need for killing microbes which maybe trapped in ice rings. Furthermore, there is a need for addressingwater containing bromates. Additionally, there is a need for addressingdifferent types of electrical supplies for various geographical areas.

In a preferred embodiment the method and apparatus is directed to aneconomical means of overcoming each of the factors that limit processozone's potential disinfecting capacity. It is concerned with theoptimization of each point in small automated ozonation systems bothupstream and downstream from the ozonator. The object of this effort isto devise a single, economical, high longevity system capable ofsanitizing many of the shapes and sizes of water dispensers in usetoday.

The present invention thus provides an improved self sanitizing waterdispenser apparatus as well as a method for generating ozone forcleaning the reservoir and the water contained within it.

While certain novel features of this invention shown and described beloware pointed out in the annexed claims, the invention is not intended tobe limited to the details specified, since a person of ordinary skill inthe relevant art will understand that various omissions, modifications,substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the deviceillustrated and in its operation may be made without departing in anyway from the spirit of the present invention. No feature of theinvention is critical or essential unless it is expressly stated asbeing “critical” or “essential.”

BRIEF SUMMARY

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and includeexemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms.

In a preferred embodiment the generator is programmable regarding thetiming, amount, and/or duration of ozone generated and/or air supplied.In a preferred embodiment the generator is programmable regardingmicrobes which may be trapped in ice rings and/or water containingbromates. Furthermore in a preferred embodiment the generator canautomatically adjust for different types of electrical supplies forvarious geographical areas.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages ofthe present invention, reference should be had to the following detaileddescription, read in conjunction with the following drawings, whereinlike reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is diagram of a water cooler incorporating one embodiment of aprogrammable controller;

FIG. 2 is diagram of a programmable controller;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a programmable controller;

FIG. 4 is an end view of the controller of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the controller of FIG. 3 with a remote display;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the controller of FIG. 3 with the casingopened;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pump for an ozone generator;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the pump in FIG. 7 with the input filterremoved;

FIG. 9 is another perspective view of the controller of FIG. 3 with thecasing opened;

FIG. 10 is a close up view of an ozone generation component in thecontroller of FIG. 3;

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram for one embodiment of programmablecontroller;

FIG. 12 is a diagram of a circuit board for the programmable controllerof FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a diagram of the rear of the circuit board in FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram for an alternative embodiment ofprogrammable controller;

FIG. 15 is a diagram of a circuit board for the programmable controllerof FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a diagram of the rear of the circuit board in FIG. 15;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed descriptions of one or more preferred embodiments are providedherein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention maybe embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart to employ the present invention in any appropriate system, structureor manner.

FIG. 1 is diagram of a water cooler 10 incorporating one embodiment of aprogrammable controller 200. Water dispenser 10 provides an improvedapparatus that sanitizes the open reservoir from time to time withozone. The apparatus 10 includes a cabinet 20 having a lower end portion30 and an upper end portion 40. The upper end portion 40 carries a cover50 having an opening 60.

Opening 60 provides an annular flange 70 and a gasket 80 that define aninterface between cabinet 20 and bottle 100. Bottle 100 can be anycommercially available bottle, typically of a several gallon volume(e.g. five gallons). Bottle 100 can provide a constricted bottled neck110 that is placed inside an open reservoir 15 during use. Bottle neck110 has an opening for communicating with a reservoir 15 at the interiorof cabinet 20 that holds the water product to be dispensed and consumed.When the water level 19 in reservoir 15 is lowered during use, airbubbles enter bottle 100 and water replenishes reservoir 15 untilpressure equalizes.

Reservoir 15 has an interior 16 surrounded by reservoir sidewall 17 andreservoir bottom wall 18. Reservoir 15 can be, for example, generallycylindrically shaped and of a stainless steel or plastic material.Reservoir 15 can provide an open top for communicating with neck 110 ofbottle 100.

During use, reservoir 15 has water level 19 that fluctuates slightly aswater is dispensed and then replenished by bottle 100. One or morespigots 90,92 can be provided for withdrawing water contained inreservoir 15. For example, a left hand spigot 90 can have a flow linethat extends up to and near water level 19, thus removing ambienttemperature water from reservoir 15 that is not in close proximity tothe cooling coils 34 of cooling system which includes a compressor 32.Spigot 92 can provides a port for communicating with water contained inreservoir 15. Because the refrigeration coils 34 are positioned at thelower end of reservoir 15, spigot 92 withdraws cool water. As apractical matter, a water dispenser apparatus 10 could provide eitherambient temperature water, cold water or heated water if, for example, aflow line 96 were to be provided with a heating element.

For cooling the water at the lower end portion of the reservoir 15, acooling system that includes a compressor 32 can be provided. Therefrigeration system includes flow lines 35,36 in combination withcompressor 32 to transmit cooling fluid to coils 34 and then to heatexchanger 37 as part of a system for cooling water in reservoir 15.Power can be provided by electrical lines, including an electrical line22 provided with plug 24.

Water in reservoir 15 can be disinfected by ozone supplied by controller200 operably connected to ozone generator 600.

FIG. 2 is diagram of a programmable ozone generator controller 200. FIG.3 is a perspective view of programmable controller 200. FIG. 4 is an endview of controller 200. FIG. 5 is a top view of controller 200 with aremote display 250. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of controller 200 withcasing 210 opened. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pump 400 for ozonegenerator 600. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of pump 400 with inputfilter 420 removed. FIG. 9 is another perspective view of controller 200with casing 210 opened. FIG. 10 is a close up view of ozone generationcomponent 600 which can be located in controller 200.

Generally, programmable controller 200 can comprise casing 210, display240, programmable input 220, ozone generator 600, pump 600, and powerinput 280. Controller 200 can incorporated a digital computer. In oneembodiment ozone generated from generator 600 can controlled bycontroller 200 can be injected into reservoir 15 through a diffuser 530.Alternatively, programmable controller can include clock 280. To assistin programming ozonation, air, and compressor cycles, controller display240 can include ozone indicator 242, gas or air flow indicator 244, andpower or compressor indicator 246.

In one embodiment, a low permeability filter 510 is placed between ozonegenerator 600 and diffuser 530. Filter 510 is preferably of apermeability which will allow gas to flow through but resist flow ofliquid (e.g., liquid water) up to a head of 10 feet of water.Alternatively, between 3 to 10 feet of water. Filter 510 can preventliquid from forming inside of ozone generator 600 and causing a failureof generator 600. Check valves were preferred in prior embodiments,however, check valves had a tendency to stick or remain in an openposition allowing liquid to pass through and accumulate in ozonegenerator 600. Filter 510 is preferably made from an expanded PTFEmanufactured by W.L. Gore material having an average pore size of onemicron. More preferably, the permeability includes a range of averagepore sizes between about 0.2 microns to about 3 microns. Mostpreferably, the permeability includes a range of average pore sizesbetween about 0.5 microns to about 1.5 microns. Other materials can workwhere they have permeabilities preventing the formation of liquid inozone generator 600. That is the materials generally restrict liquidflow, but allow gaseous flow. Moisture in gas (e.g., humidity) flowingthrough ozone generator 600 will not cause failure of ozone generator600.

In a preferred embodiment programmable controller 200 can control thetiming and/or duration and/or amount of ozone generated. In a preferredembodiment the amount of ozone generated can be set at levels of 25%,50%, 75%, and 100%. It is anticipated that for higher microbial loadshigher percentages of ozone generation will be set. Additionally, it isanticipated that the level of ozone generated during any one time periodcan also be changes—for example, from higher to lower or from lower tohigher or sinusoidal. In one embodiment the time ozone is generated canbe programmed to occur only on certain days of the week or at certaintime periods (e.g., on Wednesday and Fridays at 1300 hours) during anycalendar period.

In a preferred embodiment programmable controller 200 can control thetiming and/or duration and/or amount of gas (e.g., ambient air) pumpedthrough controller 200 (e.g., for ozone generator 600 or merely for airflow to diffuser 530). For example air can be pumped through diffuser530 before any ozone is generated. Such activity can help to removepotentially deleterious items in the water, such as bromates.Additionally, compressor 32 on the water dispenser 10 can be cut off bythe controller 200 while air is being pumped. Such an event would assistin melting an ice ring in reservoir 15 (e.g., being roughly analogous toa defrost cycle in a freezer). After the ice ring was melted, controller200 could then send ozone though diffuser 530 killing a substantialportion of the microbes in the water. Following ozone being sent throughdiffuser 530 programmable controller 200 could then send air throughdiffuser 530 removing ozone which was previously diffused throughdiffuser 530. Each of these events could be controlled by theprogrammable controller 200 and individually programmed by a user.

In a preferred embodiment programmable controller 200 can also controlpower to compressor 32. Some water coolers 10 make ice inside theirreservoirs 15 to make sure that customers get a very cold drink ofwater. Before ozonation takes place, controller 200 can shut offcompressor 32 to insure that all of the ice melts either before orduring the ozonation cycle. Even though frozen water can be unfriendlyto bacteriological growth, this option addresses the risk that an icering would shield certain microbes from the ozonation process. Forexample, compressor 32 can be shut off one or two hours before theozonation process begins. Alternatively, compressor 32 can be shut offonly during the ozonation process. Alternatively, compressor 32 is notshut off.

In an alternative embodiment programmable controller 200 canautomatically adjust for different types of electrical supplies (e.g.,input voltages) for various geographical areas. For example, differentvoltages are used in the United States and Europe. Controller 200 caninclude a voltage control circuit 620 which senses the supply voltageand adjusts same to power controller 200 and the items operablyconnected to controller 200, such as ozone generator 600, pump 400, andcompressor 32.

In an alternative embodiment programmable controller 200 can beprogrammable on a calender. For example, programmable controller 200 canbe programmed on a 999 hour repeatable calender. That is, a user canprogram ozonation, air pumping, and/or compressor operation individuallyand separately for specific start and ending periods during the 999 hourrepeat cycle. Alternatively, programmable controller 200 can use a 24hour repeat cycle and a user can program ozonation, air pumping, and/orcompressor operation individually and separately for specific start andending periods during the 24 hour cycle. Alternatively, programmingozone generation can automatically require that air be pumped during thetime of ozonation regardless of whether air pumping was individuallyprogrammed to overlap with the ozonation cycle. Alternatively, more thanone cycle can be programmed for ozonation, air, refrigeration in any oneprogramming period.

In an alternative embodiment pump 400 can be separated from programmablecontroller 200. Pump 400 can be fluidly connected to inlet 330 ofcontroller 200 through tube 440. Air pumped from outlet 430 will tend tobe at an elevated temperature from ambient air because of the pumpingaction of pump 400. Ozone generator 600 will tend to generate less ozonewhen the incoming air is at higher temperatures. Preferably, tube 440 islong enough to allow the air to cool down before entering ozonegenerator 600. It has been found that seventeen or eighteen inches (43or 46 centimeters) for tube 440 allows the air to cool sufficientlybefore entering ozone generator 600. Preferably, pump 400 can pump about2 liters per minute of air.

In one embodiment, programmable controller 200 can issue a warningsignal where pump 400 has not been programmed to operate at least duringthe entire time that ozone generator 600 has been programmed to operate.This can increase the life of ozone generator 600, as ozone generator600 may overheat where it is operated without air flow.

FIG. 4 is an end view of controller 200. Casing 200 can include poweroutput 290 and power input 280. Standard receptacles for output 290 andinput 280 are shown. To accommodate individual receptacle types (e.g.,United States versus European) different lines can be used having theappropriate plugs or receptacles. Also shown is fuse 300 which can be astandard fuse and is designed to address excessively high current orhigh voltage situations. Power for pump receptacle 310 is shown as beingspecially formatted to restrict the ability to use a pump 400 that isnot properly configured with controller 200. Output 260 is shown forremote display 250.

FIG. 5 is a top view of ozone generator controller 200 with a remotedisplay 250. Remote display 250 can include an ozone indicator 252,power indicator 254, and error indicator 256. Remote display 250preferably can be placed at a position where a user of water dispenser10 can readily view the display 250. In many situations this will bespaced apart from controller 200. For example, remote display can bepositioned on the front or side of water dispenser 10 where controller200 is positioned at the rear or inside of water dispenser 10. Ozoneindicator 252 will preferably light up when ozone is being generated byozone generator 600. This can serve as a warning signal for a user tonot dispense water while ozone indicator is lighted. Alternatively,ozone indicator 252 can light up not only when ozone is being generated,but for a set period of time after ozone has been generated, such as 5,10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 minutes, or longer, which will allow time forozone to be removed from water dispenser 10. Ozone indicator 252 can bea red light to indicate a warning or to stop. Power indicator 254 can belighted when power is being received by controller 200. Power indicator254 can be green to indicate a good power situation. Error indicator 256can be lighted when a failure or error situation has occurred withcontroller 200. Error indicator 256 can be a yellow light to indicatecaution. For example, where there has been a power interruption or wherethe ozone generator did not come on during a cycle, error indicator 256can be lighted.

Alternatively, ozone indicator 252 can remain lighted where asuccessfuil ozonation cycle has occurred within a set period of time,such as within the last 24 hour period. In this case ozone indicator 252can be a green light.

In an alternative embodiment a test button can be provided to test theozonation cycle. Where test button is activated, the ozonation cyclewill be run for a set period of time, for example, thirty seconds.Alternatively, during the test ozone indicator 252 can be lighted wherethe ozonation cycle is being operated.

In an alternative embodiment a remote programming input unit 230 forprogrammable controller 200 can be provided. A remote programming input230 could allow controller 200 to be located in the rear of waterdispenser 10 while programming input 230 located on the front or one ofthe sides of dispenser 10.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of controller 200 with casing 210 opened.FIG. 9 is another perspective view of ozone generator controller 200with casing 210 opened. FIG. 10 is a close up view of ozone generationcomponent 600 in ozone generator controller 200. Controller 200 caninclude a digital computer which includes control circuit 640 for ozonegeneration, control circuit 650 for air generation, and control circuit650 for compressor 32 power. Controller 200 can also include controlcircuit 620 for voltage converter. The individual circuits are shown inthe diagrams attached to this disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pump 400 for ozone generatorcontroller 200. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of pump 400 with inputfilter 420 removed. Pump 400 can include input 410, filter 420, filtercap 422, and output 430. Pump 400 can be spaced apart from or includedin casing 210 for controller 200.

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram 202 for one embodiment of programmablecontroller 200. FIG. 12 is a diagram of a circuit board 204 and variouscomponents for programmable controller 200. FIG. 13 is a diagram of therear of the circuit board 204.

FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram 202′ for an alternative embodiment ofprogrammable controller 200′. FIG. 15 is a diagram of a circuit board204′ and various components for programmable controller 200′. FIG. 16 isa diagram of the rear of circuit board 204′.

Table 1 lists possible items which can be used in programmablecontroller 200. SIP 1000 is an operation and programming manual forprogrammable controller 200. Each of these items is part of thedisclosure of this application and all are incorporated herein byreference.

Table 2 lists possible items which can be used in an alternativeprogrammable controller 200. SIP 2000 is an operation and programmingmanual for alternative programmable controller 200. Each of these itemsis part of the disclosure of this application and all are incorporatedherein by reference.

It is preferred that components approved by United Laboratories (ULapproved) be used for as many components as possible.

The following is a list of reference numerals:

LIST FOR REFERENCE NUMERALS

(Part No.) (Description)

-   -   10 water dispenser    -   15 reservoir    -   16 interior    -   17 reservoir sidewall    -   18 reservoir bottom wall    -   19 water level    -   20 cabinet    -   22 electrical line    -   24 plug    -   30 lower end portion    -   32 compressor    -   34 cooling coils    -   35 flow line    -   36 flow line    -   40 upper end portion    -   50 cover    -   60 opening    -   70 annular flange    -   80 gasket    -   90 spigot    -   92 spigot    -   96 flow line    -   100 bottle    -   102 water level in bottle    -   110 bottle neck    -   200 controller    -   202 circuit diagram    -   204 circuit board    -   210 casing    -   212 mounting bracket    -   220 programmable input    -   230 remote programmable input    -   240 display    -   242 ozone indicator    -   244 gas flow indicator    -   246 compressor indicator    -   248 clock    -   250 remote display    -   252 ozone indicator    -   254 power indicator    -   256 error indicator    -   260 output for remote display    -   270 support connectors    -   280 power input    -   282 plug    -   290 power output    -   300 electrical fuse    -   310 power for pump    -   330 gas input    -   340 gas output    -   400 pump    -   410 input for pump    -   420 filter    -   422 cap    -   430 output for pump    -   440 tubing    -   500 first output tubing    -   510 low permeability filter    -   520 second output tubing    -   530 diffuser    -   600 ozone generator    -   610 heat sink for ozone generator    -   620 control circuit for universal voltage converter    -   630 backup battery    -   640 control circuit for ozone generation    -   650 control circuit for air generation    -   660 control circuit for compressor power

All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature andpressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. Allmaterials used or intended to be used in a human being arebiocompatible, unless indicated otherwise.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or twoor more together may also find a useful application in other types ofmethods differing from the type described above. Without furtheranalysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the presentinvention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adaptit for various applications without omitting features that, from thestandpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics ofthe generic or specific aspects of this invention set forth in theappended claims. The foregoing embodiments are presented by way ofexample only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited onlyby the following claims.

1. A water dispenser, comprising: a) a cabinet having upper and lowerend portions and an interior; b) reservoir contained within the cabinet,the reservoir being capable of holding water; d) at least one spigot influid communication with the reservoir for dispensing water; e) arefrigeration system for cooling water within the reservoir; f) adiffuser contained within the reservoir for emitting bubbles into thereservoir; g) an ozone generator being operably connected to thediffuser; h) a digital computer operably connected to the ozonegenerator; and i) the computer being programmable regarding the timingand duration of ozone generated by the ozone generator and sent to thediffuser.
 2. The water dispenser of claim 1, wherein the dispenserincludes a pump, the pump being operably connected to the diffuser andthe computer being programmable regarding the timing and duration of airto be sent to the diffuser from the pump.
 3. The water dispenser ofclaim 2, wherein the pump is spaced apart from the ozone generator. 4.The water dispenser of claim 3, wherein the pump is spaced sufficientlyto allow air pumped by the pump to cool down closed to ambienttemperature before reaching the ozone generator.
 5. The water dispenserof claim 1, wherein the digital computer is programmable regarding theamount of ozone generated, the amounts being chosen from 25 percent, 50percent, 75 percent, and 100 percent ozone generation.
 6. The waterdispenser of claim 2, wherein the digital computer is programmed to haveair pumped through the diffuser for a set period of time before ozone isgenerated.
 7. The water dispenser of claim 2, wherein the digitalcomputer is programmed to have air pumped through the diffuser for a setperiod of time before ozone is sent through the diffuser and a setperiod of time after ozone is generated.
 8. The water dispenser of claim2, wherein the digital computer is programmed to have air pumped throughthe diffuser for a set period oftime after ozone is generated.
 9. Thewater dispenser of claim 1, wherein the digital computer is operablyconnected to the refrigeration system and programmable regarding thetiming and duration of operation of the refrigeration system.
 10. Thewater dispenser of claim 9, wherein the digital computer is programmedto shut off the refrigeration system a set period of time before ozoneis generated.
 11. The water dispenser of claim 10, wherein therefrigeration is shut off one hour before ozone is generated.
 12. Thewater dispenser of claim 1, wherein the dispenser includes a voltagesupply regulator circuit, the voltage supply regulator circuitautomatically adjusting input voltage to the digital computer based ondifferent electrical supply voltages.
 13. The water dispenser of claim17, wherein the voltage supply regulator, ozone generator, and digitalcomputer are encased in a single case.
 14. The water dispenser of claim1, wherein the digital computer automatically adjusts for differentelectrical supply voltages.
 15. The water dispenser of claim 1, whereinthe computer can be programmed regarding the day of the week.
 16. Thewater dispenser of claim 1, wherein the computer can be programmed for a24 hour period.
 17. The water dispenser of claim 1, further comprising aremote display operable connected to the digital computer but spacedapart from the digital computer, the remote display having at least oneindicator regarding operation of the digital computer.
 18. The waterdispenser of claim 17, wherein the indicator is for ozone operation. 19.The water dispenser of claim 17, wherein the remote display includesthree indicators, one for ozone, a second for power, and a third for awarning signal.
 20. The water dispenser of claim 19, wherein the ozoneindicator is red, power indicator is green, and warning signal isyellow.
 21. A method of sanitizing a water dispenser having a cabinetwith water supply that includes a reservoir which is cooled by arefrigeration unit including a compressor and has formed an ice ring,and an operable spigot on the cabinet enables water to be dispensed fromthe cabinet and its water supply comprising the steps of: a) aprogrammable ozone generator turning off power to the compressor; b) theprogrammable ozone generator injecting air into the reservoir to atleast partially melt the ice ring; c) the programmable ozone generatorgenerating and injecting ozone into the reservoir; and d) wherein instep “c” the ozone enters the reservoir via at least one diffuserelement.
 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising the step ofhaving the programmable ozone generator injecting air into the reservoirafter step “c.”
 23. The method of claim 21, wherein in step “a” theprogrammable ozone generator includes a digital computer.